LibraryJobline

Job Description

1. Provides expertise regarding children’s developmental stages, interests, community needs and children’s literature 2. Works on the public service desks providing reference service to walk-ins, over the phone and via electronic delivery 3. Provides reference and readers’ advisory services with age-appropriate materials and online searches for children, caregivers and educators 4. Creates, promotes and presents children’s programming (focuses on developmental needs, interests and promoting children’s literacy to parents and other adults or caregivers) 5. Promotes library services and materials through age-appropriate tours, publicity, displays and merchandising 6. Develops reading lists, pathfinders, booktalks or other creative means to make the children’s collection more accessible 7. Collaborates with schools or community groups and provides outreach to communicate services and programs 8. Coordinates Summer Reading Program prize management, including budgeting, ordering, distribution, and storage 9. Assists in training of all new Children’s staff at central locations or branches 10. Suggests materials for the Children’s collection based on PPLD collection guidelines and policies 11. Examines collection for replacement and/or removal of materials 12. Reads and evaluates challenged materials as requested 13. Participates on various PPLD Teams or advisory boards as requested 14. May coordinate and implement initiatives in Children’s services (i.e., early literacy, family literacy, school-age programming, etc.) 15. May manage specialized services and programs (i.e., KidsWeb, NextReads, Reading Buddies, homeschooling initiative, etc.) 16. May manage collection materials for the Children’s department (i.e., storytelling collection, literacy kits, reference) 17. May organize and conduct projects related to departmental goals and needs 18. Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Additional Info & Requirements

It is the mission of the Pikes Peak Library District to seek, engage, and transform lives through library services and resources that enrich individual lives and build community. This position operates in a diverse environment to help fulfill the Library's mission by providing children’s reference and readers’ advisory services, children’s programming, and by selecting appropriate materials for the Children’s collection. This position relies upon comprehensive knowledge of library science, the PPLD children’s collection, electronic databases, current technologies, and community resources.1. Knowledge of general library practices and procedures 2. Knowledge of children’s developmental stages, interests, community needs and children’s literature 3. Ability to promote library resources and programs for children 4. Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and to make changes to content/structure 5. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions 6. Possess good verbal and written communication skills; ability to adjust communication methods in an age-appropriate manner 7. Ability to work independently without close supervision; ability to plan, organize and execute job assignments 8. Ability to instruct patrons in library resources 9. Ability to represent the library district with tact and courtesy 10. Ability to exhibit sound professional judgment and demeanor in all public interactions 11. Ability to think and act appropriately under pressure while serving on the public desk 12. Ability to use a personal computer and office equipment effectively, including Microsoft Office software applications 13. Ability to organize and maintain specialized files and databases 14. Ability to research and gather information on trends and resources in the library field 15. Proficiency with computer applications (including Microsoft software applications) 16. May require the ability to monitor and adhere to budgetary guidelines 17. Abilities to work as an effective team member, demonstrate a "whatever-it-takes" work ethic, and have an excellent customer service attitude

The Community

With its 12 branches and 2 bookmobiles, Pikes Peak Library District serves the 500,000+ residents of El Paso County, which is nestled at the base of beautiful 14,110' Pikes Peak. PPLD was rated #9 in the nation (HAPLR index) in similarly-sized libraries. Our patrons love our highly-rated, popular Children's Services Programs!

HR Info

A PPLD job application is required to apply for all vacant positions. Obtain a printable application at www.ppld.org IMPORTANT! In order to be considered as an applicant for this position, you must write and submit three typed, double-spaced essays of 250 to 300 words each in response to the following three questions: A. Write an article for the library’s public newsletter about the importance of early literacy. B. Describe why the public library should or should not have a summer reading program. C. Prepare a short summary and timeline for a new project in which Pikes Peak Library District offers a packet of materials for new parents in area hospitals when a child is born. Include items for the packets, list items that would need a budget, possible partners and your estimate of the time it will take for each step in the process. The only parameter is that no additional staff can be hired. Applications that are submitted without these three requested essays will not be considered. Please include your essays with your completed PPLD job application form, resume, cover letter, and list of 3 professional references.